Ho Chi Minh City – A city of colour and culture
Book flights to Ho Chi Minh City with Etihad Airways and discover a lively metropolis.
Explore the beautiful buildings – when you step through the doors of the yellow Central Post Office, you’ll be whisked back in time to the 1920s.
Walk the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, and experience the dynamic pace of life in this South Vietnamese city.
Sample some incredible street food, or treat yourself to an authentic experience that will tantalise your taste buds at one of the city’s celebrated restaurants. Try chao bo or pho, for signature flavours and ingredients.
Find peace at the city’s many temples and pagodas, serene oasis’s that highlight this city’s welcoming nature, or take time out at one of the acclaimed spas.
From most spots in the city you’ll see one of the tallest symbols of economic might in southeast Asia – Landmark 81. Get ready to discover an energetic city, full of history and development.
Reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh City
A modern miracle
Plane tickets to Ho Chi Minh City offer you the chance to explore wonderful examples of French architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. In 2005, the statue of the Virgin Mary in front of the Basilica was said to have cried a tear which led to a huge influx of visitors. Opposite the red brick Basilica is the iconic Saigon Central Post Office, which still functions in this role. It is in beautiful condition, so don’t forget to send a postcard home.
Scraping the sky
If your flight to Ho Chi Minh City has given you a head for heights, take a trip to the stunning Vincom Centre Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest skyscraper. Reaching 1,510ft (461 metres) the building has 81 floors, hence its name, and the Skyview observation deck offers unparalleled views. After you’ve taken it all in, head to one of the building’s 30 restaurants and coffee shops for a bite to eat.
Marvellous markets
If you love the vibrant atmosphere of traditional street markets, head to the bustling Ben Thanh Market. During the day it resonates with the noise of stallholders doing business with locals, while tourists can pick up all sorts of souvenirs. In the evening, food stalls arrive offering a fantastic array of mouth-watering seafood dishes, waiting for you to sample when you visit.
Flying to Ho Chi Minh City: FAQs
Where should I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City contains 19 inner districts, with the city centre area designated District 1. District 1 is home to the most luxurious hotels and shopping outlets and is also where you’ll find most of the major tourist sites. It’s also known as the district which never sleeps, thanks to the lively nightlife.
What is Ho Chi Minh City known for?
In the 1960s and 70s, Saigon, as Ho Chi Minh City was known at the time, was at the centre of the world’s media attention during the Second Indochina War – also known as the Vietnam War. Now, one of the most popular sites in Ho Chi Minh City is a museum dedicated to the conflicts with France and the USA. The War Remnants Museum displays military hardware and accounts of the fighting.
What are the temples and pagodas like in Ho Chi Minh City?
The many pagodas and temples in the city offer a contrast from the lively streets of this metropolis. Four such oasis’ of calm are Cao Dai Great Temple, the Mariamman Hindu Temple, Giac Lam Pagoda and the Jade Emperor Pagoda, once visited by ex-US President Barack Obama.
What should I look for in street food in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its delicious street food. Rice (com) is the staple food, and fried rice with meat and vegetables is ‘com rang’. Ben Thanh Market and the Chinese quarter, Cho Lon, are two ‘must-visits’ on the street food trail.